By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado-Ekiti
The youth of Are-Ekiti, under the banner of the Are Ekiti Youths’ Forum, have expressed immense pride in three distinguished indigenes of the town, describing them as shining lights not just to their community but also to the entire Ekiti State.
The trio, Dr. John Temitope Alake, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti; Prof. Olufemi Michael Oke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti; and Prof. Kelvin Alaba Aduloju, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, was jointly celebrated at a colourful grand reception in their hometown.
The event, held under the auspices of the Are-Ekiti Progressives Union, attracted a large turnout of residents, traditional leader, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, and stakeholders from across the state particularly the management teams of the various higher institutions in the state.
In a show of admiration and unity, the youths of Are-Ekiti staged a celebratory procession ahead of the reception, kicking off from Odo Ode junction with live music and chants of praise for the academic icons.
The rally, which drew attention of the passers-by and residents, demonstrated the depth of respect the younger generation holds for the trio, whose academic accomplishments have positioned the town in the limelight within the state.
The leader of the Youth Forum, Mr. Folorunso Olumide Anisulowo, in his speech at the event, described the honorees as relentless torchbearers whose career successes continue to inspire generations. According to him, the community’s youth have consistently drawn motivation from the achievements of these men, noting that their records remain a source of collective pride.
He remarked that their elevation into such high positions within the educational sector has served as a reminder to the younger population that greatness is attainable, even from a modest town like Are-Ekiti.
The youth leader explained that their celebration was not only about honouring academic excellence but also about appreciating the values of hard work, resilience, and humility which the honourees embody, noting that through their academic feats, have not only carved a name for themselves in Nigeria’s educational history but have also ignited the hopes of a town determined to rise.
Olumide Anisulowo stated that the youth had taken it upon themselves to organize the rally and show of appreciation because of how deeply the achievements of the trio resonate with their aspirations and to reawaken a sense of purpose, unity, and pride among the people of Are-Ekiti.
During the presentation of symbolic gifts to the honourees, representatives of the youth forum emphasized the need for mentorship and support for the younger generation.
Mr. Tunde Babatola, Secretary of the Forum, urged the trio to use their platforms to create employment and mentorship opportunities for graduates and non-graduates in the town. He pointed out that many talented and ambitious young people are still navigating unemployment and lack of access, and would benefit immensely from direct interventions by such prominent figures.
Babatola said that beyond celebration, the younger generation hopes to build a direct bridge with the honourees, tapping into their influence and networks to chart brighter paths, saying that the youths, motivated by the lives of the men being celebrated, have pledged to rededicate themselves to their personal and collective dreams,
In a similar vein, the Financial Secretary of the Youth Forum, Mr. Dayo Daramola, noted that the honourees must see it as a sacred duty to replicate their successes by investing in Are-Ekiti’s youth.
He stressed that the youths were not asking for handouts but for mentorship, direction, and access to growth opportunities that would empower them and reduce youth restiveness.
The leadership of the youth forum affirmed that the such event would be a continous tradition, aimed at recognising outstanding Are-Ekiti sons and daughters doing the town proud in their various fields.
Emphasizing that the event would further inspire more people to work harder and remain connected to the progress of the town, irrespective of where they live or work, they called on the state government to partner with prominent indigenes of small towns like Are-Ekiti in rolling out community-specific development programmes
Responding, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Dr. John Temitope Alake, who responded on behalf of the honourees, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, stating that the gesture by the youths had deeply touched them.
He added that they feel more compelled than ever to give back to the community that raised them while assuring the youth that the trio would continue to support initiatives that promote growth, education, and empowerment in the town.
He commended the youth forum for their maturity, organization, and thoughtfulness in honouring excellence, describing the move as a bold signal of a promising future.
According to him, the rally and reception were not mere fanfare but a statement that Are-Ekiti youths are alert to the progress of their community while praying for continued wisdom and opportunities for the town’s young people, encouraging them to stay on the path of discipline and diligence.
He charged the youths should not see their current limitations as permanent, as every great man started with humble beginnings.
Dignitaries at the event including the State Deputy Governor Okinlua Monisade Afuye, represented by the permanent secretary of her office Mr Bayo Opeyemi, the Vice Chancellor Ekiti State University, Prof Ayodele, also commended the unity between the elders and the youths of the town, noting that such synergy is essential for communal development.
They lauded the Are-Ekiti Progressives Union for providing a platform to celebrate and recognize illustrious indigenes who are making waves across the country.
Speaking at the occasion, the Alare of Are Ekiti Oba Boluwade Adebiyi who described the three professors as true ambassadors of the soil and pride of the throne, stressed that academic achievement remains one of the strongest ways to change narratives in rural communities as he called on parents and community leaders to prioritize education and moral upbringing, as exemplified by the celebrated scholars.
He urged the honourees to continue to act as good role models, not only to the youth of Are-Ekiti but to all sons and daughters of the state.
In their separate remarks, the chairman Board of Trustee, Are progressive Union, Chief Ladipo Anisulowo, the Vice President Are Progressive Union (APU) Mayegun Peter Adekunle, Hon Michael Oke- Ojo, (Computer) and the Vice chairman Ifedara LCDA, Hon Sola Olowojebutu reflected on the days of the honourees’ youth, describing them as respectful, focused, and committed to excellence even in their formative years.
They explained that their present status is a direct result of decades of hard work, integrity, and divine grace, which younger ones should emulate. The event also featured cultural performances, poetry, and spoken-word tributes that highlighted the journey of the celebrated academics.
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